Aircraft Fuel Prices at U.S. Airports & FBOs 2025

Published on April 15, 2025

Aircraft Fuel Prices at U.S. Airports & FBOs: A 2025 Market Analysis

As of April 15, 2025, the aircraft fuel landscape in the United States reveals significant regional disparities in pricing, influenced by logistics, supply chain constraints, regional tax policies, and airport operational costs. This dynamic pricing environment affects both general aviation operators and commercial carriers, particularly those dependent on Jet A, 100LL, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In this detailed breakdown, we examine the average fuel prices by FAA region, identify the highest and lowest price zones, and explore what these numbers indicate for aviation fuel economics.

The national average fuel prices across 3,203 Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) reporting over the past 30 days are:

Jet A: $6.26/gallon
100LL Avgas: $6.53/gallon
SAF: $9.04/gallon

These averages reflect full-service aviation fuel pricing, not including additives or discounts negotiated under fuel contracts.

aircraft refueling at U.S. FBO, showing fuel truck and jet

Regional Overview: Jet A Fuel Pricing in the U.S.

Jet A fuel—a kerosene-based fuel primarily used in turbine-engine aircraft—displays considerable regional price differences:

Alaska: The highest Jet A price at $8.14/gallon, reflecting high transportation and operational costs in remote airfields.
Central Region: The lowest at $5.50/gallon, benefiting from central logistical positioning and lower local overhead.
New England: $6.53/gallon, slightly above the national average due to congestion and elevated airport fees.
Southern Region: $6.17/gallon, competitively priced due to higher FBO density and supply chain efficiencies.

These numbers show that Jet A costs correlate closely with regional accessibility, infrastructure sophistication, and market competition.

100LL Fuel Prices: Variations Across FAA Regions

100LL (100 octane low lead) remains critical for piston-engine aircraft, despite rising environmental scrutiny. Prices have escalated particularly in less accessible zones:

Alaska: Leading at $10.28/gallon, a striking 57% higher than the national average.
Central Region: Offers the most affordable rate at $5.95/gallon.
Great Lakes: Moderately priced at $6.22/gallon.
Northwest Mountain: Holding at $6.64/gallon.

This disparity illustrates not only the challenges of distribution in rural and isolated markets but also how regulatory pressures on leaded fuel are impacting regional supplies and pricing structures.

pilot refueling small aircraft with 100LL fuel at rural airport in Alaska

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Premium Pricing, Emerging Adoption

While SAF continues to draw interest for its carbon-reduction potential, its limited availability keeps its price significantly higher:

Southern Region: The highest SAF average at $9.64/gallon.
Northwest Mountain: $9.12/gallon.
Western Pacific: $8.93/gallon.

The absence of SAF pricing data in New England, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Alaska underscores how SAF adoption is still nascent, geographically limited to select coastal and metropolitan airports with supporting infrastructure.

Despite federal incentives, the supply chain for SAF remains thin, with logistical hurdles and refining costs keeping prices elevated. Yet, SAF’s long-term potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% makes it a cornerstone of future fuel strategies.

National Fuel Price Comparisons by Region

To better understand the current pricing ecosystem, here is a region-by-region breakdown:

Jet A Prices by FAA Region (per gallon)

Alaska: $8.14
New England: $6.53
Northwest Mountain: $6.38
Western Pacific: $6.48
Northeast: $6.43
Southern: $6.17
Great Lakes: $5.88
Central: $5.50

100LL Prices by FAA Region (per gallon)

Alaska: $10.28
New England: $6.97
Northwest Mountain: $6.64
Western Pacific: $6.98
Northeast: $6.83
Southern: $6.32
Great Lakes: $6.22
Central: $5.95

SAF Prices by FAA Region (per gallon)

Southern: $9.64
Northwest Mountain: $9.12
Western Pacific: $8.93

SAF fueling station with jet at California regional airport

Fuel Price Influencers in U.S. Aviation

Aircraft fuel prices do not exist in isolation; they’re shaped by a confluence of economic, logistical, and policy factors:

Geography & Transportation Costs: Remote regions such as Alaska experience inflated fuel costs due to complex logistics.
FBO Density: Areas with more competing FBOs, like the Central and Southern regions, tend to exhibit lower fuel prices.
Regulatory Factors: Environmental regulations, particularly regarding leaded fuels like 100LL, place upward pressure on prices due to mitigation costs.
Market Demand: Airports with high commercial or GA traffic often offer competitive rates, especially where contract fueling agreements exist.
Fuel Type Availability: Not all regions support all three major fuel types, particularly SAF, which is still undergoing scaling challenges.

Operational Impact on Flight Planning and Charter Economics

Fuel pricing directly influences flight planning, especially in general aviation and charter operations. For pilots and dispatchers:

Fuel stops are often selected based on favorable pricing. A few cents per gallon difference can result in substantial cost variations on longer routes.
Contract pricing models offered by major FBO chains may reduce reliance on posted prices.
High 100LL prices in Alaska deter some non-commercial operators unless absolutely necessary.

general aviation aircraft parked at FBO ramp with fuel pricing sign visible

Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond

As aviation progresses into a low-carbon economy, fuel economics are entering a transformation period:

Increased SAF blending mandates could make SAF pricing more competitive, particularly as production scales.
Phasing out of 100LL due to EPA and FAA actions may trigger market shifts, including the rise of UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline.
Digital fuel pricing platforms and aviation fuel apps are becoming vital tools for pilots, enabling real-time fuel pricing intelligence.

Navigating FBO Fuel Data in Real Time

To locate current aircraft fuel prices, pilots can use services such as:

Aviation Fuel Maps with real-time regional data.
FBO-specific websites listing up-to-date fuel rates.
Apps with fuel price lookup tools based on ICAO/IATA codes.

FBOs may offer discount tiers based on fuel volume, memberships, or loyalty programs, so prices shown publicly may differ from contracted rates.

Conclusion: A Market of Variability and Evolution

The aircraft fuel pricing market across U.S. airports and FBOs in 2025 is defined by regional variability, fuel type complexity, and emerging sustainability initiatives. As SAF continues its slow ascent and regulatory changes loom over 100LL, operators must remain agile and informed. Real-time pricing data, geographical fuel strategies, and infrastructure awareness are more essential than ever for cost-efficient and compliant aviation operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest region for Jet A fuel in the U.S.?

The Central FAA region offers the most affordable Jet A fuel at $5.50 per gallon, well below the national average of $6.26.

Why is 100LL so expensive in Alaska?

100LL fuel in Alaska is expensive due to limited distribution infrastructure, harsh weather logistics, and low FBO density, leading to higher transportation and handling costs.

Is SAF available at all U.S. airports?

No, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is only available at select FBOs, primarily in Western Pacific, Northwest Mountain, and Southern regions. Availability remains limited due to production constraints and infrastructure readiness.